When Satualafaalagilagi Dr. Leinani Salamasina Aiono Le-Tagaloa graduates as a Pain Specialist, she is likely to become not only the first Samoan to achieve the feat, she could also be the first Pacific islander with such a qualification.

A Pain Specialist or pain management specialist, is a medical doctor who specialises in pain medicine. Pain medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the evaluation, treatment, and prevention of pain.

Speaking to the Sunday Samoan, Satualafaalagilagi said she is humbled by her achievement and she wants to use it to motivate other Samoans.

“There are many Samoans who are popular in sports but the world should know that we do have brains as well,” she said.

“This is what I am proud of, is to have Samoa be the first and that’s my pride.”

Satuala is the daughter of a former Member of Parliament, Le Tagaloa Pita and the late Aiono Dr. Fanaafi.

A woman with a passion to help her people, she recently completed and passed the final exam. Satuala should have graduated last year but the death of her mother affected her deeply and she was not prepared.

It took a year to wait for the next examination and when the moment finally arrived, Satuala nailed it.

Residing in New Zealand, Satuala works for the Auckland Regional Pain Services, one of the top units in New Zealand for Pain Management. There are only 18 Pain Specialists in New Zealand and Satuala will become one of them when she graduates next month.

“I am grateful to God for his love and protection,” she said. “I’m thankful for my family who have always been supportive of what I do.” Le Tagaloa was one proud father as he spoke about his eldest daughter’s journey to arrive to where she is today. “There are not many words to say but to acknowledge the hand of God almighty for his guidance and granting us the wisdom,” he said.

“He has answered our prayers.”

He added: “This is an achievement for Samoa as she will be able to help our people. That’s what I am very pleased about.” Satuala is the eldest of four siblings.